Symbols: The understanding and the decoding of symbols is very important. Students will be able to use and read symbols in order to use the appropriate tools in Google ScketchUp (and GIMP) and Microsoft Power Point; they will also relate those icons, or symbols with other software and they automatically will leverage their skills and knowledge and apply them to other software. Students in this project will learn to decode and encode Google SketchUp tools and functions to create and communicate ideas, and design. Trough interviews and generations of appropriate questions, the student will be using effectively his or her literacy skills by encoding information and getting some feedback.

Discourse: Another domain of literacy for a commercial point of view will be a professional presentation in where the student is in charged to communicate verbally and no verbally and use the appropriate media, symbols, and messages to promote his or her design to the client and market the model for a the highest price.

Cognitive Process: Students will learn that there problem solving strategies will increase with confidence of skill repetition, consistent and ongoing project development and innovative use of Google SketchUp 6 tools (and GIMP 2 *not require). Through the project activities, students will be able to analyze and interpret information by the client’s specifications, use of design elements, and use of communication skills to analyze and evaluate information to design the ideal house.

The challenge will be to do some authentic activity where the learner will gain access to the standpoint that enables practitioners to act meaningfully and purposefully to solve problems related to the practice. The students will take a deductive thinking approach to solve the problems they face. The students will play the role of an architect and design a house according to the customer’s needs. The students will be forced to communicate and obtain wisely information needed to solve the problem. They will use information resources to facilitate their solution.

Authentic Problem:

You have been hired by ARCT Company as an Architect Apprentice intern for Mr. Smith’s project. The architects want to know what kind of architectural design will be appealing and effective to the customer needs and that goes along the neighbors’ homes. You will be in charge to communicating directly to the client and getting relevant information to create a 3D representation of your model according to the client’s specifications.

Since you are a rookie, you lack knowledge of 3D modeling skills and you know so little about architecture. A friend from the ARCT Company is going to provide you with tips about using Google SketchUp to create 3D models; make sure you pay attention and take notes.

Remember that, Mr. Smith is willing to invest $100,000 in an architectural design for his future home in a 5 acre land located in Palm Boulevard in Brownsville Texas.

The cumulative activity will be to research what the customer wants in his house and understand the concept of architecture, floor plans, interior design, and explore and learn how to use Google SketchUp. Constant supervision by the ARCT Company will be provided to asses you in the understanding of the mentioned concepts. Make sure to be prepare all times to present your ideas and concerns when the manager supervises your work. You will have a two month span to design a 3D model in Google SketchUp and a week to prepare a power point presentation of the architectural and interior design of the model. All digital material and multimedia presentation should be saved in the Architect’s flash drive within a day of the presentation date. You should dress appropriately for presentation, and know your material and techniques that you learn and use in order to create your model. Remember to mention where you got the information from and how you obtained it. Expect criticism and questions from the Architects of ARTC.

Getting familiar with the software is one of the things that the students should know. Also, how to look for information in the internet will impact the creativity of and skills of the student.

Process: During the first days, the student will get train in Google SketchUp and get to explore the tools using the Windows/Instructor. During the workshop, the students will be tutor to create a simple house with a roof and different colors. This activity will end the ARCT Company’s training for new interns.

The rest of the week the students will work in an inductive environment where they will discover what they need in order to create the ideal design.

A one day tour to the Palm Boulevard will be provided, where the student will have the chance of taking pictures and observe textures, proportions, architectural designs, landscaping and environments.

Constant communication with the client and ARTC Company’s staff will be key to success. Also, students should research in the internet for samples of architectural designs, floor plans, and interior designs to create a realistic and accurate design.

Disciplinary Structures: “Geometric concepts including- coordinate grid {ordered pairs, latitude and longitude, x and y axis} lines-{line segment, line, ray, intersecting, perpendicular, parallel} angles {acute, obtuse, right, degrees, measuring, protractors} shapes {polygon, triangle, quadrilaterals, parallelogram, square, rectangle, rhombus, trapezoid, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, decagon, congruency, similar, symmetry, slide, turn, flip, area, perimeter, ratio and proportion) proposal writing and presenting.” (Retrieved from http://obsidian.gmu.edu/twt/Examples/tedandpam.htm)

Software and applications skills- use appropriate tools and shortcut key to be more efficient at designing (standard tool bar, large tool bar)

Communication concepts- Read, Write, analyze, ask, answer, input, output, feedback, context, tone, etc.

Disciplinary Processes: Interviewing, understanding, observing, analyzing and using information properly to increase the chances of solving the problem and get stronger and knowledgeable about the content in a deductive way of thinking, are skills that the student will practice. Also, will he or she will be able to: design, search, communicate, ask, save files, use the computer, type, create, write, read, share information, manage, measure, choose, decide, evaluate, learn. Disciplinary Discourses: Computers, communication, information resources, 3D modeling, architecture, design, sample floor plans, art.

Students will be able to operate Google SketchUp and increase their communication skills visually and verbally. They will be able to analyze information and skim trough the most important aspects of the reading material.

Students will learn about their own learning process and take notes if they feel like they need to as a learning strategy.

Students will be treated as employees in a Company’s workforce forcing them to get motivated and perform a good job and experience a real world work environment. They will observe and compare and contrast the architectural design of the Palm Boulevard houses and the ones in the sample floor plans and create their design based on that information.

“Students will be using the SSCC model of gathering and sharing knowledge. This model includes, searching, sorting, creating, and communicating information. In order for students to effectively communicate their learning, students will be following the DEAPR acronym when creating and constructing their various projects. During this process students will be designing, encoding, assembling, publishing, and reporting.”(Retrived from http://obsidian.gmu.edu/twt/Examples/tedandpam.htm)

The Project focuses on the collaboration of the students sharing of ideas and exchanging information in order to understand the 3D modeling concepts and architecture requirements.

A) Promoting individual research and technical skills

B) the use of internet and information sources in school, culture, environment-trends.

C) Develop an awareness of architectural and modeling employment opportunities within the area.

D) Exchange/sharing of ideas and artistic implementation

E) Forum open to discussion and critique of student and professional design.

F) Platform to provide power point presentation-response.

G) Live presentation and evaluation.

A1. Students will create a sample house in SketchUp by following instructions from the teacher.

A2. Students will explore the Google SketchUp’s tools and read the instructions in the Window instructor.

A3. The students will search for an Internet Site that provides Floor Plans samples and get an idea of what to do.

A4. Student will constantly ask relevant questions to the client and the Company’s staff in order to learn what they need or how can they do something (ie: if they want to create their own wall design instead of using the ones given by the software or ask how many rooms does the client is requiring, or if he wants a room for a specific age child)

A5. The student should look for tips of how to use or how to create specific designs in Google SketchUp and develop a 3D model of a house with the proper measurement.

A6. The student is responsible to save the digital files in the flash drive in the specific folder by a specific date.

B1. Students will ask for help in order to understand how to use a specific tool or request one-on-one review sessions.

B2. Be responsible in reading, searching and analyzing important information about architecture and the use of Google SketUp

B3. Use search engines properly and share information with other classmates

B4. Help each other to succeed in solving the problem and share information in a collaborative manner

B5. Use creativity and the mind in a wisely manner B6. Manage time properly

B7. Make effective decisions about the interior design and the outside look of the house B8. Understand the types of measurement in architectural modeling

B9. Experience a real world situation and take the project serious

C1. Develop a 3D model in Google SketchUp

C2. Optional: Create a tile pattern for roofing, walls or polygons surfaces in GIMP.

C3. Create a power point presentation for the client and the ARCT Company

C4) “With a partner, develop a list of job descriptions and employment opportunities. Research the Internet, the classified, and magazines, etc. and compile directory including job titles, salary, experience needed, tools used, education, location and other requirements. (Post and share for classmates to see…. discussion)”(Retrieved from http://obsidian.gmu.edu/twt/Examples/naquin.htm)

S1. Students will share their knowledge, creativity, information and opinions with other classmates constantly to help each other and be more efficient

S2. Students will share the ideas whit the client in order to obtain more specific information from him by using their communication skills and their computer skills. The student will find samples in the internet of photographs, images and internet site to show the client; then take notes of the client’s feedback and analyze the information accurately in order to design the ideal home.

TEKS for Technology Applications

126.22.8 (A) participate with electronic communication as a learner, initiator, contributor, and teacher/mentor.

126.22.8(C) extend the learning environment beyond the school walls with digital products created to increase teaching and learning in the foundation and enrichment curricula;

and 126.22.8 (D) participate in relevant, meaningful activities in the larger community and society to create electronic projects.

126.22.9 (A) design and implement procedures to track trends, set timelines, and review/evaluate progress for continual improvement in process and product;

126.22.9 (C) seek and respond to advice from peers and professionals in delineating technological tasks;

126.22.9 (D) resolve information conflicts and validate information through accessing, researching, and comparing data; and

126.22.9 (E) create technology specifications for tasks/evaluation rubrics and demonstrate that products/product quality can be evaluated against established criteria.

126.23.2 (A) demonstrate proficiency in the use of a variety of input devices such as keyboard, scanner, voice/sound recorder, mouse, touch screen, or digital video by appropriately incorporating such components into the product; and

126.23.2 (B) use digital keyboarding standards for the input of data.

126.23.5 (A) acquire information in and knowledge about electronic formats including text, audio, video, and graphics;

126.24.10 (A) identify pictorial qualities in a design such as shape and form, space and depth, or pattern and texture to create visual unity and desired effects in designs;

126.24.10 (D) use proximity and alignment to create a visual connection with other elements.

126.24.12 (A) determine and employ technology specifications to evaluate projects for design, content delivery, purpose, and audience; and

126.24.12 (B) seek and respond to advice from peers in evaluating the product.

126.26.8 (G) distinguish among and appropriately integrate 3-D modeling, animation, and rendering software into multimedia products

The following are forms of assessments that are going to be used:

1) test or quiz on vocabulary terms both architecture and software

2) open verbal critiques and student/peer feedback

3) progress portfolio-self assessment-reflection

4) student-teacher interview-gives both insight on attitudes, feelings, interest, motivations, and thinking process.

5) critique sheets for each project for students and teacher to provide written responses

6) Final Presentation and deliver of the student’s knowledge

Classroom / Computer lab Environment: All computers will be facing the wall so the teacher can have a clear view of what the student is looking, and supervise the students. Work with the schools budget and paint the walls white to reflect light and use them as screens to project examples of design techniques, processes, vocabulary and shared pieces of student artwork.

Home/Open lab: the room is available before and after school. Homework may include downloading JPEG files for library use or researching information regarding the architecture field and observing architectural designs while driving /walking home.

Values: “As always, the environment of the room will be structured so that students are encouraged to work both individually and collaboratively. Students are encouraged to research together in groups, pairs and shared information and findings with classmates. Emphasis will be placed on supporting, encouraging, and providing feedback with analytical and creative thinking. In addition emphasis will be also placed on deriving numerous solutions for a set problem. Students will compare their results and the use of classroom management skills with other students.”(Retrieved from http://obsidian.gmu.edu/twt/Examples/naquin.htm)

Teachers:

Make sure to check computers and equipment. It is very important that input devises like the mouse works properly in every single computer because it will be highly used for the two month period.

Have extra equipment or a backup plan to substitute from some activities or assessments since is a long project, and may thing can happen in the mean time.

Study materials and develop a large vocabulary list for students to learn.

Speak using the appropriate terminology with the students so they grasp the concept faster, and ot make them ask you the meaning of that specific word.

Make the project exciting by giving incentives to the students that come with ideas and participates in class discussion.

Encourage the students to work at home and to e-mail you their homework, questions and concerns if they own a computer or have access to internet.

Play the role of the client and get involved in the project like if you really will pay $100,000. You can even dress up, or you can do co-teaching with another teacher. Ask him to be available in a specific time, so students can interview him. Provide him with some specifics.

Play the role of ARCT Company’s manager and be very strict with the intern (the student) like if it was your job. Asses the students daily and observe their improvement and give the one-to-one tutoring lessons.

Invite students to help each other, so they learn better the concept